FIND THE PERFECT FIT

Birkenstock's history traces back to 1774 when Johann Birkenstock was listed as a cobbler in the archives of Germany's Langen-Bergheim church. Generations later, the iconic contoured footbed and classic style is sold in over 90 countries, including in Australia by yours truly.

Birkenstock have been perfecting their footbed using premium materials and European craftsmanship for centuries.

All you need to do is find the perfect fit! And we can help you with that!

KNOW YOUR SIZE

Birkenstocks deliver the ultimate comfort and support when worn in the correct size. Even if you have worn the same size shoe for years, we recommend doing a quick measure up before you buy - it will save time down the road if you need to exchange for a difference size. As they say, measure twice buy once!

To measure your foot:

1. Stand up against a wall on a level floor, with your heel against the wall.

2. Place a measuring tape under or beside your foot, so that your heel is at the 0cm mark.

3. Measure (in cm) the length of your foot from your heel to the end of your longest toe. It may help to place a something flat and straight (like a book) at the top of your toe to mark the spot.

4. Birkenstock use European sizing (listed below as Euro Unisex). Use the below size chart to work out your Euro Unisex (ie Birkenstock) size using your measurement in cm or your AU/US size.

KNOW YOUR WIDTH

Birkenstocks come in two widths - Regular and Narrow. The majority of people are Regular, so while we all like to think we're special, unless you consider yourself as part of the 10% of the population with deridingly narrow feet, we recommend going for Regular.

Regular Fit: Regular Fit Birkenstocks are suitable for around 90% of people: those with medium and wide feet. A hollow foot symbol indicates a regular fit.

Narrow Fit: Narrow Fit Birkenstocks footbed shoes are suitable for people with extremely narrow feet. A solid foot symbol indicates a narrow fit.

 

THE FIRST WEAR

Once you receive your new Birks, we recommend trying them on a clean, carpeted surface to check the fit once and for all (we can't exchange marked shoes).

If you are new to Birkenstock, the fit and level of support they provide may seem unfamiliar, and your feet and legs may be introduced to some new movements and muscle groups.

So, go slow and let your body adjust by wearing them just a few hours a day to start with. For the first wear:

1. Unbuckle all the straps and place your feet in the shoes, making sure your heels are sitting nicely in the heel cups. The contours of the footbed should correspond to your own arches and the toe grips should fit comfortably beneath your toes.

2. Before you stand up, make sure there is approximately 5 mm around the front, back and each side of your feet. You will need this extra room for your feet to move naturally in the shoes as you walk.

3. Buckle the straps securely, but not too tight! The support will come from the footbed, so the straps do not need to be extremely tight. A securely fastened strap should be enough to keep your foot firmly in the footbed.

The flexibility of the cork will increase with wear, and as your foot sinks into the cork over the first 2-3 weeks, you will find that your shoes start to fit you like a glove! Leather straps will become suppler and the footbeds will adjust to your feet.